Qatar Telecom (Qtel), the leading telecom service provider in the country, has launched a money transfer service using an account that can be accessed via mobile phones.

Customers in Qatar can now transfer money in Qatar and to overseas destinations as well as buy Hala Top-Ups through a “Mobile Wallet”, using the safe, convenient, fast and easy-to-use Qtel Mobile Money service.

The Qtel Mobile Money service is as easy to use as a mobile phone and registration for the service is free, a statement said.

The service will also enable customers to pay Qtel bills, make merchant payments and buy a wide range of services when the next phase goes live.

Qtel Mobile Money is being launched in collaboration with a number of industry leaders, including Qatar National Bank (QNB).

“The launch of Qtel’s Mobile Money will provide an important new service to hundreds of thousands of people in Qatar, and deliver security, speed and peace of mind,” said Waleed Al Sayed, chief operating officer, Qtel.

“Qtel believes there is a significant market of people who currently rely on cash-based financial services, including money transfer services, to support their families. The launch of this new service will provide them with an important and safe alternative.”

Ali Al Kuwari, executive general manager – chief business officer at QNB, said: “We are extremely honoured to support our partner Qtel in this journey.”

“Mobile Money is a revolutionary project for Qatar and the region and it is a testament to the consistent innovation that is being witnessed in the Qatari market. QNB has always strived, directly or with valued partners such as Qtel, to deliver innovative, quality products and services that foremost aim to simplify and ease the lives of all people from every financial background,” he added.

Qtel’s Mobile Money service is accessible on all models of mobile and there is no requirement to change SIM cards or buy any special upgrades, the statement said.

In a world-first for Qtel, customers will be able to load money (Cash In) through Qtel’s national network of 200+ Self Service Machines (SSM), and through dedicated Qtel Shops across Qatar.

After Cashing In, customers can send and receive funds within and outside of Qatar and use other services such as buying Hala Top Up by using simple commands on their mobile phone. Money can be withdrawn at dedicated Qtel Shops.

Customers with Mobile Wallets can also buy Hala Top-Ups for their own or for any other Hala numbers. They will even be able to withdraw cash from ATMs, pay Shahry bills and buy goods over the counter in the next phase of the launch.

Qtel also announced its first two international remittance destinations as Pakistan and the Philippines.

Customers can also send money to any other Qtel customer in Qatar, transferring money from their account to the other person quickly and securely.

Qtel’s Mobile Money service will be particularly helpful for a significant number of so-called “underbanked” or “unbanked” customers who do not have access to traditional banking facilities.

The company is also working with employers in Qatar, to enable them to make direct payments of salaries into Qtel Mobile Money accounts. This service will be available from early 2012.

Qtel also has plans to expand the Mobile Money service to include retail payments using Near Field Communications, (NFC) so that customers will be able to buy goods and services using their mobile phone.

Al Sayed added: “Qatar is becoming a highly technologically-advanced society, where the latest innovations are put to use in the service of the community.”

“We are proud to be offering this fully-comprehensive service for all the people of Qatar, to ensure that everyone has the benefit of a secure Mobile Money solution,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service